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Lesbian Motherhood and Genetic Choices

Author

Chan, Connie S.

Fox, Janis H.

McCormick, Richard A.

Murphy, Timothy F.

Bibliographic Citation

Ethics and Behavior. 1993; 3(2): 211-222.

Abstract

Rhonda, a physician, and Clara, a registered nurse, have been lovers
for the past 7 years. Both women are in their 30s, in good health, and
financially stable. Clara has contacted Dr. Robinson, a highly regarded
obstetrician and geneticist, with an unusual request. Clara is seeking to
become pregnant by means of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with an embryo
transfer (ET) technology. She proposes being implanted with ova harvested
from her partner, Rhonda, and fertilized in vitro with donor sperm from a
local medical-school sperm bank. Dr. Robinson explains the relatively low
success rate involved in IVF and ET techniques and suggests artificial
insemination of Clara's own ova. Clara and Rhonda understand the low success
rates but are undeterred. Their mutual goal is not merely to have a child but
to share in the maternity of their children. What ethical issues are raised
by the plan Clara and Rhonda propose? What are Dr. Robinson's ethical
responsibilities with respect to the request by Clara and Rhonda?

Researchers are working to derive sperm from banked testicular tissue taken from pre-pubertal boys who face therapies or injuries that destroy sperm production. Success in deriving sperm from this tissue will help to ...